Energía asequible y no contaminante

ESPOL joined an international CCUS network, strengthening its position in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. The process was led by FICT, which presented the institutional capabilities in this strategic area. The integration promotes international cooperation, scientific exchange, and the development of projects related to the energy transition.

A recent study proposes a passively tuned wave energy converter that significantly improves efficiency and adaptability to different wave climates, outperforming conventional systems and opening new opportunities for sustainable wave energy harvesting.

ESPOL’s FICT is gearing up for THE FINAL PITCH, an academic event where five finalist Capstone Projects from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Civil Engineering programs will showcase their ability to communicate innovative proposals that address real-world national challenges. The event aims to strengthen communication, argumentation, and presentation skills, promoting innovation and the comprehensive training of future professionals.

FICT researchers from ESPOL presented the results of the Specific Geophysics Agreement to CELEC-SUR in Cuenca, during the seminar commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant. The presentation detailed the application of geoelectrical studies in unstable zones, highlighting their contribution to safety, planning, and risk reduction for the country's strategic hydroelectric infrastructure.

As part of their comprehensive training, Petroleum Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a technical field trip to the Pacifpetrol S.A. facilities in Ancón, where they strengthened their knowledge of artificial lift systems, refining, and the innovative use of solar panels in the industry. The activity, led by M.Sc. Christian Sánchez Rodríguez, allowed future engineers to link theory with operational management in mature fields, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 7, 9, and 12) by promoting a technical, efficient, and responsible vision of the national energy sector.

FICT-ESPOL successfully hosted the 5MinPitch PAO II 2025 semifinals, where students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering presented their capstone projects in five minutes before a specialized jury. This initiative strengthened communication skills and technical argumentation, leading to the selection of five finalist projects focused on solving real-world engineering challenges.

Petroleum Engineering students from FICT-ESPOL participated in a technical debate analyzing the current reliance on Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) versus alternative artificial lift systems in Ecuador's mature fields. The activity integrated environmental, economic, and technological impact assessments, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening critical thinking applied to real-world challenges in the national energy sector.

From January 14 to 17, 2026, a multidisciplinary team led by M.Sc. Kenny Escobar Segovia installed corner reflectors in the Paute sector, Azuay, to calibrate Sentinel-1 satellite signals and monitor ground deformation using DInSAR technology. This strategic initiative aims to ensure the stability of the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and the safety of surrounding communities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen infrastructure and risk management in Ecuador.

Here is the translation of the summary into English: "Students from the Petroleum Engineering program at ESPOL carried out a community service initiative in the San José de Ancón parish, where they trained students from the Ancón Educational Unit and local residents on the history and operational infrastructure of the sector's oil wells. Under the guidance of professors Danilo Arcentales and Freddy Carrión, and with the support of the local Parish GAD, this activity strengthened the transfer of technical knowledge and the faculty's social commitment to the development of oil-producing communities.

FICT-ESPOL hosted Dr. Marisa Giuffrida, a researcher from the University of Catania (Italy), for a scientific stay focused on the mineralogical study of rocks on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. This collaboration, carried out under the Climred and Peligal projects alongside Dr. Maurizio Mulas' team, seeks to decipher the geological origin of the archipelago. In addition to the scientific contributions, this alliance with the University of Catania —the oldest in Sicily— strengthens the Faculty's internationalization, paving the way for future exchange programs for students and researchers.